Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
August 12, 2022
Read 1 Peter 1:13-25
13 Therefore, once you have your minds ready for action and you are thinking clearly, place your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14 Don’t be conformed to your former desires, those that shaped you when you were ignorant. But, as obedient children, 15 you must be holy in every aspect of your lives, just as the one who called you is holy. 16 It is written, You will be holy, because I am holy. 17 Since you call upon a Father who judges all people according to their actions without favoritism, you should conduct yourselves with reverence during the time of your dwelling in a strange land. 18 Live in this way, knowing that you were not liberated by perishable things like silver or gold from the empty lifestyle you inherited from your ancestors. 19 Instead, you were liberated by the precious blood of Christ, like that of a flawless, spotless lamb. 20 Christ was chosen before the creation of the world, but was only revealed at the end of time. This was done for you, 21 who through Christ are faithful to the God who raised him from the dead and gave him glory. So now, your faith and hope should rest in God. 22 As you set yourselves apart by your obedience to the truth so that you might have genuine affection for your fellow believers, love each other deeply and earnestly. 23 Do this because you have been given new birth—not from the type of seed that decays but from seed that doesn’t. This seed is God’s life-giving and enduring word. 24 Thus, All human life on the earth is like grass, and all human glory is like a flower in a field. The grass dries up and its flower falls off, 25 but the Lord’s word endures forever. This is the word that was proclaimed to you as good news.
Good morning! Rejoice, again I say Rejoice!
God’s mysterious ways sometimes make me laugh! As I awake this morning, I feel anxious over dad’s arrival. This passage in 1 Peter reminds me that God has a plan. The anxiety comes from me trying to make sure that I’ve done everything that I could/should do. I want this to be a positive transition for both of us. I believe that God has been with us both throughout the challenges over the past few days, weeks, and months regarding this move, and in the grand scheme of life this is the right thing to do. However, my human side wants to micromanage things. All of the pieces are in place, I must now let go and let God manage from here.
We each face decisions and situations that cause us to be fearful. At these moments we must loosen our grip, and give our fears over to God who has promised to guide us through even the darkest valleys. As children of God, we must lean upon the foundation that we have laid brick by brick with each prayer and reading of the Word.
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God's excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?
Fear not, I am with you; O be not dismayed,
for I am your God, and will still give you aid.
I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
Loving and Caring God, Thank You for loving us. We praise You in all things. Forgive our need to take charge. Help us let go so that you can take the lead. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: In times of trial, I will release my troubles to God.
To God be the Glory! Pastor Liz
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